Donors in Washington and Sullivan Counties can support the needs of these local hospitals by donating blood with Blood Assurance, who will process and test the blood donations then fulfill the orders from the hospitals based on blood type and specific patient needs.

“We are excited to be partnering with Blood Assurance to provide life-saving blood products to patients at MSHA hospitals,” said David Nicely, president and CEO of MSHA’s Washington County, Tenn. facilities. “As always, our patients are our No. 1 priority, and maintaining a reliable and cost-effective blood supply is an important part of our commitment to providing world-class service to the patients we serve. This is especially true at the level 1 trauma center at Johnson City Medical Center, where we must always be prepared for any need that comes through the doors, day or night.”

“Blood Assurance is looking forward to working with donors, civic groups and businesses as we reach a common purpose of impacting lives in Johnson City and the surrounding area,” said Rick Youngblood, president and CEO of Blood Assurance. “Blood Assurance plans to provide blood for all the Mountain States Health Alliance hospitals over the coming months, allowing us more opportunity to serve the Tri-Cities area.”

Youngblood invites the area’s blood donors to donate with Blood Assurance and encourages first-time donors to begin a life-saving habit of giving blood every 56 days. When separated into components of platelets, plasma and red cells, each blood donation can benefit up to three patients in need.

Founded in 1972 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Blood Assurance is a non-profit regional blood center supplying blood components to more than 70 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout five states, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.